New report highlights progress on human rights defender protections across the region

The APF Human Rights Defenders Working Group's latest Annual Report showcases how NHRIs across the Asia Pacific are advancing efforts to protect HRDs.

The APF Human Rights Defenders Working Group has released its Annual Report 2024–2025, highlighting the progress made by National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) across the Asia Pacific in strengthening systems to protect and support Human Rights Defenders (HRDs).

Over the past year, a major focus has been building stronger institutional capacity. A regional capacity development program brought together 22 NHRIs and helped 50 staff members improve their ability to monitor threats against HRDs and respond effectively. Since the training, several NHRIs have introduced or enhanced mechanisms to better protect HRDs.

Another key development was the introduction of the Right to Defend Rights Tool, created by the Danish Institute for Human Rights, which helps NHRIs assess national conditions for HRDs by gathering and analysing data. The report also highlights growing momentum in advocacy and policy engagement, with NHRIs advancing discussions on legal protections for HRDs through stronger collaboration with governments and regional organisations.

Progress has also been made in NHRI accreditation. In the past year, APF support has contributed to the accreditation of new NHRIs in Pakistan and Uzbekistan - a critical step in building stronger institutions for human rights protection across the region.

While celebrating these achievements, the report also recognises ongoing challenges, including threats to HRDs, shrinking civic space, and gaps in legal protections.

It concludes with a set of recommendations to strengthen NHRI engagement and the impact of the APF Regional Action Plan on Human Rights Defenders, by expanding training to address new challenges, strengthening partnerships with civil society and international actors and advocating for stronger legal protections for HRDs.

Read the full report here.